Capello recalls Neville and Robinson for Kazakhstan and Andorra qualifiers

25 May 2009 12:25

Gary Neville has been recalled to the England squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra after more than two years out of the international scene.
Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson, who has not represented his country since the 2-1 defeat against Russia during England's disastrous Euro 2008 qualification campaign, has also earned a recall under Fabio Capello.
The England head coach has named a 24-man squad for the trip to Kazakhstan on Saturday June 6 and then the final game of the season against Andorra at Wembley four days later as he attempts to consolidate their position at the top of Group Six.
Manchester United right back Neville, 34, has missed most of the season because of injury and has not played for his country since the 2-0 defeat by Spain in a friendly at Old Trafford in February 7.
Although he played for United against Hull City at the KC Stadium yesterday, his place will be taken by John O'Shea for Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona.
If Neville plays in either qualifier, he will equal Kenny Sansom's record of 86 for the most capped full back in England history. An injury to Wes Brown means Neville may draw level with Sansom in the upcoming qualifiers, although Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson has been so impressive in recent England games that he is now Capello's first choice right back.
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Robinson's confidence was crushed when he was brutally left out of Steve McClaren's team to play the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley in November 2007 and he has not played for England since.
This is the first time that the former Spurs keeper has been included under Capello, but an injury to first choice David James means there will also be competition from Scott Carson and Robert Green.
England's head coach has also included Shaun Wright-Phillips in the squad, even though he had been expected to withdraw from contention because of injury.
The Manchester City winger played in the 1-0 victory over Bolton in the final Premier League game of the season yesterday and has been included alongside Theo Walcott as a potential option on England's right. Aaron Lennon, who was named Tottenham's player of the year last week, misses out.
England squad for World Cup qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Andorra:
Carson (West Brom); Green (West Ham); Robinson (Blackburn); Bridge (Man City), A Cole (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Johnson (Portsmouth), Lescott (Everton), Neville (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (West Ham); Barry (Aston Villa), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Carrick (Man Utd), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Walcott (Arsenal), Wright-Phillips (Man City), Young (Aston Villa); C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Portsmouth), Defoe (Tottenham), Heskey (Man Utd), Rooney (Man Utd).